HOW TO GET THERE
St. Vincent in the Grenadines is a paradise for charter yacht clients. All those who have sailed in the region agree with this statement.
But planning to get here by air can sometimes invoke a feeling opposite to paradise. Air transportation is inadequate, and the connections rarely allow you to reach your destination on time and quickly.
The best gateway into the Caribbean for access to the Windward islands is Barbados. There are two flights daily on Grenadines Airways to each of the Grenadine’s islands, one midday and one later in the afternoon. This allows connections from the international carriers that arrive from the UK, Canada, and the US, as long as they are not delayed on their way in.
The planes are small, Twin Otters, so be sure to book early, especially during the season. It does not take long to fill 19 seats! For those unfamiliar with the small regional airlines, it is best to work through a local travel agent. These non-IATA airlines are not particularly user friendly when making a booking. They are simply not set up for online bookings.
LIAT still flies all over the Caribbean, so it is possible to fly from Barbados to St. Vincent several times each day. If you are picking up a yacht in St. Vincent, this is a viable option.
Some people arrive at Hewanorra, the international airport on St. Lucia. Unfortunately, there are no scheduled flights from there to St. Vincent and the Grenadines (except during the season, the Mustique Company operates a Twin Otter to Mustique). LIAT flies to St. Vincent from the domestic airport in St. Lucia. Travelers must either drive or take a helicopter from Hewanorra to Castries to make those connections.
From Martinique to the Grenadines – there are no scheduled flights. Airawak offers shared charters in 8 seaters. LIAT flies daily to St. Vincent, but not to the Grenadines.
Of course, if you take a private charter, you can come and go as you please. Mustique Airways, SVGAir and Executive Air offer charter flights all around the Caribbean. Although a bit more expensive, it allows travelers to arrive at their destinations when they wish. Certainly, the flexibility is worth the higher cost.
Taking advantage of a travel agent’s local knowledge and experience makes travel planning smoother, whether for crew, guests, or business travelers, to help them get to their destinations as quickly and inexpensively as possible.
But maybe you wish to linger in Barbados, or St. Lucia or Grenada on your way to the Grenadines. Each of these island nations has a plethora of hotels, villas, and activities to satisfy most budgets and tastes. Perhaps you are not rushing to reach your destination but wish to savor the journey.
Either way, enjoy your travels.
For more information, contact Dennis at Charter the Caribbean at 317-745-1990 or email: charter@charterthecaribbean.com
